Appropriate screening tests are essential for the timely diagnosis of all cancers. Timely diagnosis permits for maximization of treatment effectiveness and a favorable prognosis.
The National Cancer Institute defines cervical cancer as a cancer that develops in the tissues of the cervix, which is the organ that connects the uterus and vagina. It is typically a slow-growing cancer and is most commonly linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). A woman with cervical cancer may not have any symptoms. However, proper testing during routine heath examinations will permit for early diagnosis of cancer or other conditions known to be precursors to cancer.
According to an article in The New England Journal of Medicine, the U.S. mortality rate from cervical cancer has dropped significantly (70 percent) over the past several decades directly as the result of a successful screening program. In 1995, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, recommended annual screening for cervical cancer along with Pap smear and pelvic examinations at 18 years of age or the beginning of sexual activity.
A physician or other healthcare provider who is negligent in his or her screening procedures based on a specific patient’s medical history and particular circumstances, may fail to diagnose or misdiagnose cervical cancer, even if they followed established “guidelines.”
A timely and accurate cancer diagnosis can affect the treatment required to treat the disease, as well as the potential outcome of treatment.
If you or a loved one suffers from cervical cancer that was misdiagnosed or that your healthcare provider failed to timely diagnose, a meritorious claim to recover damages surrounding those failures may be pursued.
At Blume Forte, our experienced cervical cancer misdiagnosis attorneys in New Jersey have the skills and resources to successfully pursue these complex claims. To learn more about your legal rights and options, call us for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421.